Green ‘holds key to Warriors’ playoff hopes’

Former NRL premiership winner Jamie Soward says Blake Green could drive the Warriors into the top eight in 2018.

Soward, who played in the halves in the Dragons’ 2010 title winning team, said Green could help scrumhalf Shaun Johnson achieve his potential.

‘‘Blake Green provides a steady hand, understands when to kick, when to be able to make changes to the game plan on the run. That’s because he’s been in systems like Melbourne,’’ Soward said.

‘‘He’s been successful in England, been successful over here, got the best out of his body and game management style. I think he provides the key to getting the best out of Tuivasa-Sheck and Johnson.’’

Soward, a former New South Wales State of Origin representative, said the Warriors had picked up Kiwi internationals Tohu Harris, Gerard Beale, Peta Hiku and Adam Blair.

‘‘They have a big out in Matulino going to the Tigers. Picking up guys like Tohu Harris is important. If they can get all this right the guy who can take them over the top is Blake Green.

‘‘He was so pivotal last season for Manly and the style they played. He potentially could be the buy of the year. He’s not as big a name as other guys that have moved clubs but he provides an important stability to what is an unpredictable team in the Warriors.’’

‘‘If they can … get that mix right and Blake Green providing the game management and allowing Shaun Johnson to go and just play rugby league – they could push for a topeight spot,’’ Soward said on